February 09, 2008	Saturday	Safar 01, 1429

LAHORE, Feb 8: Fast bowler Umar Gul, currently out of action due to fitness problems, has said that he would soon be flying to Australia to have a final medical opinion before resuming bowling for Pakistan.

Talking to Dawn on Friday, Umar confirmed that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) was trying to make arrangements for his visit to Australia and it would take three more days to finalise it.

“I am feeling quite fit at the moment but on the advice of the PCB chairman Dr Nasim Ashraf, I am going to Australia to get clearance from the medical experts there,” said Umar who has played 16 Test matches and 39 One-day Internationals.

Umar said after getting clearance, he will be appearing in the Pentangular Cup starting from Sunday. He has been included in the NWFP team. “I think I will return in time to play at least one match of the Pentangular Cup. I want to resume bowling as soon as possible, but to avoid any aggravation to the back problem, I am fully following the advice of the medical experts,” Umar said from Peshawar.

He expressed confidence of regaining full fitness prior to the challenging series against the Aussies at home in March-April. “I have lot of hope that I can overcome my problems before the Aussie tour begins. I would like to play my due role for my team against the world beaters and that will be a great achievement in my cricketing career,” he concluded.